NAMI Florida Statement on Parkland Tragedy

We are saddened by the events at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, and our hearts go out to the students, families, teachers, and community affected by this tragedy. We can all agree it’s time for our state and nation to engage in much needed conversations around mental illness and protecting our youth from further tragedies.

For now, we are here to offer our support to those people experiencing grief, increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or PTSD in the aftermath of this crisis. The following resources are available:

NAMI has a national helpline available 10 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday at 1-800-950-NAMI.

There is also a crisis text service available at 741741. Text “NAMI.”

NAMI Florida’s Collier County affiliate operates a “warm Line” for individuals with a mental illness who want to speak with someone who shares personal experience coping with mental health issues. Peer operators are available daily 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. by calling 1-800-945-1355.

Many affiliates offer free, peer-led support groups and classes for individuals and families affected by mental illness. To find out if these programs are offered in your community, visit our website at www.namiflorida.org and click on “Local Affiliates.”

Our affiliates also offer referrals to local mental health resources in the community.

Members of the law enforcement community can benefit from a NAMI guide called “Preparing for the Unimaginable.” It assists law enforcement leaders in safeguarding the mental health and wellness of first responders following a tragic event. This guide was developed following the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy in 2012. The guide can be found at www.nami.org.

NAMI Florida also has resources on its website (www.namiflorida.org) for businesses, as mental illness is the top cause for worker disability. Our website has tips to help employers approach the subject of mental health in the workplace.

NAMI Florida has been the voice for individuals and families affected by mental illness in our state for 30 years. We want to encourage students – or any individual -- who experiences the signs and symptoms of mental illness to speak up and get the support they need without fear of being stigmatized.

Together, we can work toward meaningful solutions. NAMI Florida stands ready to assist.

2018 Behavioral Health Day at the Capitol

More than 150 people joined NAMI Florida and its partners for Behavioral Health Day at the Capitol on Jan. 24. Our advocates met with more than half of the members and staff of the Florida Legislature to discuss NAMI Florida's legislative agenda (click here).

Our event was followed by a press conference featuring Sen. Wilton Simpson and Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen, who called on their fellow lawmakers to pass key legislation about mental health policies and funding. NAMI Greater Orlando member Katherine Osborne shared her personal story of living with a mental health challenge.

Emergency Resources

NAMI Helpline: This is a free service that provides information, referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition, family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public. The NAMI HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., ET. The number is 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).

SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline is a 24/7, 365-day-a–year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after a disaster. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: If you or someone you know is in crisis—whether they are considering suicide or not—please call the toll-free Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) to speak with a trained crisis counselor 24/7.

For information on shelters, evacuations, fuel, price gouging complaints and other information about disaster preparedness in Florida, please visit www.floridadisaster.org

As a leading voice in the mental health community, NAMI is looking to share the stories of those impacted by the recent natural disasters. If you need assistance, please call national NAMI at 703-516-7230 or email media@nami.org.

Stigma Free Florida

The Stigma Free Florida campaign is a partnership between NAMI Florida, the state’s largest grassroots organization for individuals and families facing mental health challenges, and the HR Florida State Council, an affiliate of the Society of Human Resource Management.

The mission of Stigma Free Florida is to change attitudes within workplaces regarding mental health and individuals with mental illness. This campaign targets leaders of businesses and organizations who are decision-makers and can influence the workplace culture.

What is NAMI Florida?

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI Florida is the state organization.

We have 27 local affiliates in Florida with volunteers who work to raise awareness and provide support and education.

NAMI relies on gifts and contributions to support our important work.

NAMI Florida Annual Meeting and Conference

NAMI Florida's 2017 Annual Meeting & Conference will explore the top issues of our times – recognition and treatment of early psychosis, the alarming numbers of suicides and PTSD among veterans, a shocking rise in the number of Florida’s children being Baker Acted, and more.

We’re offering a day of presentations geared specifically toward businesses – the impact of mental illness in the workplace, how to provide accommodations for employees with mental illness, how corporations are responding, and hiring incentives for veterans.

We’re offering a special Mental Health First Aid training as well as a party to celebrate NAMI Florida’s 30th birthday. Please join us Sept. 22-23 at the B Resort in Lake Buena Vista.